Superintendent's Office

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear University City Families,

I want to thank everyone who participated in our State of the District meeting. The feedback we are receiving is welcomed, valued and informative.

Our goal in hosting such an important meeting was to share openly where we are as a District, the opportunities we have to improve and our path to becoming a District accredited with distinction. This is no easy goal to accomplish but I am confident that by working together, we will achieve this goal. I am very excited and encouraged by the plans we are formulating related to curriculum and the strategic direction for our District. I look forward to sharing exciting news very soon.

Some of the information we shared in the academic performance presentation during the State of the District meeting is sobering, but it is our current reality. We cannot address what we are not willing to face. The State of the District meeting was our way of publicly facing our reality and authentically reaching out to our families, partners and stakeholders, and asking for your support as we begin to disrupt the status quo and provide our students with the quality educational experience they deserve.

The School District of University City has a very rich history. Our community has a strong track record of supporting our schools. I believe we can draw upon both of these foundations to strengthen the network that is essential for our village to raise and successfully educate all of our children.

There are so many factors that impact student achievement. We must have quality, high-performing teachers in every classroom, while providing the support services our students and families need. We also must be sure that collectively, we create a school culture of respect and an expectation of excellence in all that we do. These are non-negotiable. The one factor that rises above all others is courage. We must have the courage to do bold things and set high goals, fully expecting and preparing to meet them.

I am humbled by the support I have received as your new superintendent. I am strengthened by the words of encouragement, the suggestions, advice and the grace you’ve shown when we have fallen short of expectations. We will do better. We will be better. Our children deserve nothing less than our best.